(At least) one complete set of dice
Without at least one complete set of dice, it will be … let’s say “bumpy” to meet the most important mechanic in Dungeons & Dragons. The dice provide the element of chance in D&D, determining whether characters succeed or fail in their endeavors.
In total, there are 7 dice in D&D (with a special exception 8) that are simply abbreviated in the rules with “D” and the number of sides: D4, D6, D8, D10 for ones, D10 for tens, D12, and D20. There are also hundred-sided dice that look almost like a sphere, but they are usually not included in a dice set that contains the other 6 pieces.
Whether for ability checks, saving throws, or attack rolls, the dice decide along with a character-specific bonus or penalty how various situations unfold.
Accordingly, players need a set of dice to face these challenges.
Rationally, a player only needs one set of dice. It would even be enough if one set were shared across the entire table.
Personally, however, I must say: That is rarely the case.
It is a well-known meme that many D&D players turn into true “dice goblins” (myself included) because there are just so many different and varied styles that will appeal to every preferred aesthetic:
Completely regular, single-color dice, dice with a liquid core, dice with built-in figures, sharp-edged dice, dice made of plastic, stone, wood, glass, metal, and many more.
Personally, I hardly know anyone who is satisfied with just one set. Dice are not only an urgent accessory to play, but they often make great gifts as well.
Conclusion: Dice are needed in every session and sometimes at a rate of one per minute. An urgent must-have.
These are the things I have bought in my first two years since I started with Dungeons & Dragons. Even though not everything is necessarily required to play and some things are used more than others, I have not regretted a single purchase so far.
Do you have any recommendations for things to acquire for D&D? Feel free to let us know in the comments! Otherwise, I also have a few more tips for you with which you can easily and especially inexpensively enhance your sessions: Dungeons & Dragons: Here are 6 tips to enhance your sessions on a budget
